India Resumes Tourist Visa Services for Bangladeshis After Nearly Two-Year Hiatus

In a significant development for cross-border tourism, India has announced the resumption of tourist visa services for citizens of Bangladesh, effective this Sunday. This decision marks the end of a nearly two-year suspension, a period during which the movement between the two neighboring countries was severely restricted due to various geopolitical factors.

The announcement was made by Dinesh Trivedi, the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, during a briefing in Dhaka. Initially, tourist visa applications will be processed at five designated centers located in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Khulna. Additionally, officials have indicated that more centers are likely to open in the near future, facilitating easier access for Bangladeshi travelers.

High Commissioner Trivedi emphasized the importance of this step, stating, “We hope that this will further strengthen the people-to-people ties between our two sovereign nations.” His remarks underscore the shared cultural and historical bonds that exist between India and Bangladesh, which have often been overshadowed by political tensions.

The suspension of tourist visas was initially imposed in August 2024, following a wave of anti-government protests in Bangladesh that escalated to the extent of forcing then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to seek refuge in India. The situation worsened in December 2025 after the tragic death of prominent student leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, who had played a significant role in the protests. His death incited further unrest and violence, leading to attacks on minority communities and prompting diplomatic tensions between the two countries. In light of these events, both nations summoned each other’s diplomatic representatives to express their concerns.

Despite the challenges posed by these events, India maintained its commitment to humanitarian assistance, continuing to issue urgent medical visas during the suspension period. This effort was crucial for patients needing medical treatment in India, highlighting the ongoing relationship between the two nations even amid political strife. Reports suggest that over 1,500 medical visas were granted, underscoring the necessity of maintaining vital human connections.

The reopening of tourist visa services is expected to rejuvenate travel and tourism between India and Bangladesh, allowing families to reunite and facilitating cultural exchanges. As both countries navigate the aftermath of their recent political turbulence, this new chapter heralds a potential thaw in relations, one that could pave the way for broader cooperation in areas such as trade, culture, and tourism.

Source: scroll.in